Jess Franco's Count Dracula (1973)

Much better than the television version!

When I initially saw this film many years ago on television, I thought it was schlock. I didn't care for the liberties Franco had taken with Bram Stoker's novel, apparently altering the plot to "improve" it, or the choppy editing and sudden closeups. All in all, I felt like I'd wasted my time. Still, being a collector and a completist, I decided to purchase this DVD. I'm very glad that I did.

This uncut version of "Count Dracula," while it occasionally strays from Stoker's original text, does follow the novel far more closely than any other movie version I've seen. Despite being filmed in color, it retains a great deal of the eerie atmosphere exuded by the earlier black and white Tod Browning/Bela Lugosi version. There are no sumptuous castle interiors, a la Hammer, nor is there excessive gore. Many things are surprisingly understated and spare. There's an occasional splash of blood, but a lot is left to the imagination, which actually works in the film's favor.

I think I recall having read that this was Lee's favorite Dracula portrayal. Considering the amount of material taken directly from the book, that's understandable. For example, Dracula is an old man when Jonathan Harker first encounters him, and he progressively becomes younger as he feeds upon new victims - something often left out of other adaptations. We're treated to the Count here as Stoker most likely envisioned him: gaunt, mysterious, alternately subdued and terrifying, the unconquerable warrior, the soulless monster, the nocturnal lover.

With the exception of Lee, who is marvelous, the acting is adequate. Herbert Lom as Van Helsing seems a bit awkward at times, but I fault the script, rather than the actor. Klaus Kinski is suitably creepy as the tormented and insane Renfield. The music is done well and enhances the film, and the cinematography is often quite impressive. Much of the aforementioned jumpy editing is gone here. While many of the sudden closeups are jarring and seemingly pointless, they're occasionally put to good use. At the film's beginning, when the camera zooms in to focus on Lee's mouth while he's speaking, we notice his fangs much the same way as Harker did in the novel, but I thought the scenes with the stuffed animals were ridiculous. You'll have to judge for yourself.

This is a good print, well made, and we're treated to several extras, including Christopher Lee reading from Dracula. Despite the film's flaws, I would recommend this DVD to anyone who is a fan of Christopher Lee, Dracula movies, or vampire films in general. August 5, 2008

Classic Horror

Classic telling of the Brom Stoker story.Well worth veiwing; it has atmosphere, and Christopher Lee. June 19, 2008

Jess Franco's Count Dracula

Atmospheric as promised. Christopher Lee is great as Dracula. It's the
worst dubbing I've ever seen. If they're going to the trouble of putting
this on DVD with a great build-up the least they could is re-dub it. If
you are considering buying this I'd say rent it instead. May 28, 2008

Christopher Lee IS the modern day king of the Vampires

One can argue that Christopher Lee's portrayal of the undead count is one of filmland's best. Famous for the Hammer series of Dracula films , Lee is directed by Jesse Franco, who's attempt at telling the tale as Bram Stoker intended falls flat in some areas. Lee's Dracula has always had a menacing aura about it, filled with lust and evil, but here we find a more subdued count with less screen appeal than in previous incantations. The supporting cast is weak (excluding Herbert Lom whose presence is always powerful) with no real substance. Klaus Kinski plays a crazy, but odd part. Maybe it's just that I am so used to Lee in Hammer's versions, with the great sets, costumes and heart punding musical scores,that I just can't get out of this film what his previous films bring. Lee has portrayed the count on film more times than any other actor. Unless you are a die-hard Lee or Franco fan, skip this one and get the entire Hammer collection of Dracula films, you won't be sorry! I gave this film 3 stars only because it is Lee as Dracula, and watching him act is always a treat! February 5, 2008

Has to grow on you

Jess Franco's version of the legendary story by Bram Stoker is highly recommended for horror fans, (especially those of Paul Naschy), but I'm not going to lie to you, I wasn't impressed by my first viewing. But I've found many movies to be like that; they have to grow on you. Still, the musical score is excellent, and only used in certain moments, and the babes playing Lucy and Mina are worth the viewing too. In conclusion, I give it ****. November 14, 2007

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